5 Big Smartphone Mistakes You’re Making
Smartphones have become an integral part of modern life as they are used to perform many functions. From waking up in the morning to connecting with friends, family, and co-workers to cherishing your precious memories, these mobile devices do it all. There is no doubt that users want this little ‘life-changing’ device to operate as smoothly as possible. To achieve the goal, users need to start by knowing and ignoring the daily habits that affect the life of their phones. Here we will discuss some of the most common and biggest smartphone mistakes that you are making.
Jailbreaking or Rooting the Device
Jailbreaking and rooting your iOS or Android device is not illegal. However, devices running their stock have more security protection that prevents users from accessing critical parts of the phone’s operating system. Using custom ROMs on modern devices can give users access to hidden system settings that will allow them to do a lot of things with their phone, but it can also put your device at a great security risk. Before you decide to root or jailbreak your device, you need to do some research and go through the guide, especially for the first time ones.
Android OS and Security Updates
Mobile brands continue to share software and security updates for the mobile OS (Android) on a regular basis. Some of these are important as they bring new features and design elements to your device, others are security updates that protect the phone from harmful apps and other similar threats. It is important to download these updates for your smartphone to run smoothly.
Downloading Apps from Other Sources
Some users search for other resources when they can’t find apps in the Google Play Store. Unofficial sources or third-party app stores are not recommended as downloading apps from these sources may expose our devices to malware and malicious apps. These malicious apps can be infected with viruses and spyware that can steal users’ personal information, passwords, and banking details. Additionally, these malicious apps can allow cybercriminals to access your phone’s camera, microphone, video, audio, and contacts, as well as your bank account. Downloading apps from the official app stores are the best option, as these apps go through a rigorous screening process before they are listed.
Using the wrong charger
Many users have a misconception that all chargers are the same. They think any charger will work fine as long as their phone has a cable connector fitted. However, having the right charger is a must. Cheap chargers are a big problem. Not only do they pose a risk of fire and short circuit, but they can also damage the life of your smartphone in the short and long term. Always buy chargers from trusted brands after checking their safety and compatibility guidelines.
Using a Public Wi-Fi Network
Public Wi-Fi networks are cheap and easy to use, however, these networks can be a major security risk. Hackers and bad actors who are connected to these networks can easily peek at the information sent over public Wi-Fi networks. This would allow hackers to steal user information and access their devices remotely. In cases where you need to use a public Wi-Fi network, make sure you are using a VPN when connecting to the Internet. Virtual Private Network or VPN is an easy solution to securely connect to websites even on public networks. However, in such cases, it is better to use mobile data when it is available.